Will TarzansKat meet Captain Jack? ~A Pirate's Life for 3 Pre-Trippie~ We're back!

[Lady Lallie]

Southwest Airlines is scaring the carp out of me. I know they normally have a special in July, but I'm getting nervous. Normally we fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, which makes it about $20 cheaper per person. In case you're not counting, that's $120 total for both flights. That's a lot of money.

I have basically no option of changing my Wilderness Lodge standard room dates, it's not available anymore. I know the free dining promotion is running through June 22nd, but I need help.

I tempted to switch to a mod, but I really only want POFQ. I can't seem to find any availability for that either.

I am driving myself crazy. Booking a mod would save us at least $616.50, this is by looking at the different airfares and adding in to the total package costs.

I have always wanted to stay at CBR, but am really, really afraid of how spread out it is. I would book preferred, and it is available.

If I switch my dates from a Tuesday to a Tuesday, I'd have more time to meet up with Tink, since we'd overlap more.

But it also means we'd be taking that ungodly early flight and going to MNSSHP the same night. Which seems like a not so good idea unless we get in a really, really good nap.

I don't know what to do anymore.

Leave well enough alone. Bask in the glow of the Wilderness Lodge and enjoy the boat ride...the airfare is freakin' me out man!

Don't let the airfare freak you out. You need to bask in the glory of the Wilderness Lodge. You are just doubting yourself. You've said you are not big souvenir people, what other costs are you looking at during your vacation? Tips, possible OP for Artist Point? I really don't think you should change your resort, you have been too happy about the decision to book there. If WL was available for those dates, I would say go for it....but ehhh...
Is there another week you could go that has WL available with free dining?

 

[TarzansKat]

Don't do anything yet.

What are the dates you are booked again? Are you not doing Tuesday to Tuesday as of now?

Have you looked at other airlines and compared prices? We've had wonderful experiences with Airtran and Delta before.

Hey, CP. We're currently booked from Sept 14-21 which is a Sunday to a Sunday, i.e. the most expensive days to fly. I'll go check Delta now, but I was hoping to avoid excess baggage fees...do they charge for a second checked bag?

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hey, CP. We're currently booked from Sept 14-21 which is a Sunday to a Sunday, i.e. the most expensive days to fly. I'll go check Delta now, but I was hoping to avoid excess baggage fees...do they charge for a second checked bag?

I found that deal on airtran through today. They are starting at $56 & up depending on where you fly out of. I could send you the link if you wanted to check it out. When I calculated it was cheaper than Southwest.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hey, CP. We're currently booked from Sept 14-21 which is a Sunday to a Sunday, i.e. the most expensive days to fly. I'll go check Delta now, but I was hoping to avoid excess baggage fees...do they charge for a second checked bag?

I am not sure about fees for second bags.

I agree with LL, you are too happy with WL to change at this point. In the grand scheme of a WDW vacation $120 is not a lot of money.

If you want my honest opinion, I think you are having a bad case of Disney Second Guessing. Yesterday, it was your ADRs, today it is your resort/airfare. Don't do anything under these circumstances. Ride it out -- it is the Disney equivalent of sweating out a fever.

I know because I go through it all the time. I have a recurring case.

 

[TarzansKat]

Don't let the airfare freak you out. You need to bask in the glory of the Wilderness Lodge. You are just doubting yourself. You've said you are not big souvenir people, what other costs are you looking at during your vacation? Tips, possible OP for Artist Point? I really don't think you should change your resort, you have been too happy about the decision to book there. If WL was available for those dates, I would say go for it....but ehhh...
Is there another week you could go that has WL available with free dining?

Thank you. Thank you both for trying to reason with me. No, we're totally not big souvie people. I'm looking at maybe some toys for DS, a new zippered hoodie for him for fall/winter, the photopass CD...that's pretty much it. And I do have all my reward dollars from my Disney Visa, so that could cover some of that, or the oop at Artist Point.

I found that deal on airtran through today. They are starting at $56 & up depending on where you fly out of. I could send you the link if you wanted to check it out. When I calculated it was cheaper than Southwest.

I don't know if Airtran flies out of the airport closest to me.

I'll check it out.

And by the by, we'll be scrappin' Delta because they're over a $1000 for the three of us...I guess that puts Southwest in perspective.

Ugh...I wish I could get a good ding fare now!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I am not sure about fees for second bags.

I agree with LL, you are too happy with WL to change at this point. In the grand scheme of a WDW vacation $120 is not a lot of money.

If you want my honest opinion, I think you are having a bad case of Disney Second Guessing. Yesterday, it was your ADRs, today it is your resort/airfare. Don't do anything under these circumstances. Ride it out -- it is the Disney equivalent of sweating out a fever.

I know because I go through it all the time. I have a recurring case.

I have to agree with CP.

 

[TarzansKat]

I am not sure about fees for second bags.

I agree with LL, you are too happy with WL to change at this point. In the grand scheme of a WDW vacation $120 is not a lot of money.

True.

If you want my honest opinion, I think you are having a bad case of Disney Second Guessing. Yesterday, it was your ADRs, today it is your resort/airfare. Don't do anything under these circumstances. Ride it out -- it is the Disney equivalent of sweating out a fever.

I think you're right. I don't know what it is with me this week...ohhhhhh....never mind....I know exactly what it is...oy, I should have seen it coming.

I know because I go through it all the time. I have a recurring case.

God bless you. Is there a cure?

 

[Lady Lallie]

Thank you. Thank you both for trying to reason with me. No, we're totally not big souvie people. I'm looking at maybe some toys for DS, a new zippered hoodie for him for fall/winter, the photopass CD...that's pretty much it. And I do have all my reward dollars from my Disney Visa, so that could cover some of that, or the oop at Artist Point.



I don't know if Airtran flies out of the airport closest to me.

I'll check it out.

And by the by, we'll be scrappin' Delta because they're over a $1000 for the three of us...I guess that puts Southwest in perspective.

Ugh...I wish I could get a good ding fare now!

I know how you feel about the airfare, it is driving me nuts that I don't have mine yet. My mom keeps telling me to wait because she thinks tourism is going to be at a low this summer, and the airlines will have to lower. I don't know if I totally agree with her but I keep telling myself this so I don't have panic attacks about flights.

 

[Lady Lallie]

God bless you. Is there a cure?

More DIS'ing?

 

[TarzansKat]

I know how you feel about the airfare, it is driving me nuts that I don't have mine yet. My mom keeps telling me to wait because she thinks tourism is going to be at a low this summer, and the airlines will have to lower. I don't know if I totally agree with her but I keep telling myself this so I don't have panic attacks about flights.

Oo, oo, is that what mom says? Maybe I can latch on to that theory..yup, yup, sounds good!

More DIS'ing?

Oh, I love the boards, but I have seriously never had so much angst about a vacation as this one. I think I need a valium.

Or maybe a Lapu Lapu.

Or maybe I just need to remind myself of this....

I'm worth it, I'm worth it, I'm worth it.

Repeat after me...

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oo, oo, is that what mom says? Maybe I can latch on to that theory..yup, yup, sounds good!

Good, we can support each other with our airline angst.

Oh, I love the boards, but I have seriously never had so much angst about a vacation as this one. I think I need a valium.

Or maybe a Lapu Lapu.

Or maybe I just need to remind myself of this....

I'm worth it, I'm worth it, I'm worth it.

Repeat after me...

Seriously, I am having issues as well, with every single decision I have made but I just look over my mega list and feel better. I need to add Lapu Lapu to my list of must have food.

 

[TarzansKat]

Good, we can support each other with our airline angst.



Seriously, I am having issues as well, with every single decision I have made but I just look over my mega list and feel better. I need to add Lapu Lapu to my list of must have food.

I feel better.

I did some switchin'.

I need to work on a new chapter.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I feel better.

I did some switchin'.

I need to work on a new chapter.

New Chapter!

 

[TarzansKat]

clear?

As in crystal. Or Krstyale. Or sparkling. Like a glass of champagne. Mmmm...champagne. Is 3:34 pm too early to start drinking?

Don't answer that.

Well, I've been freakin' out over the past couple of days. I've been a-doubtin' and a-second-guessin' and a-drivin'-myself-crazy.

Crazy...crazy for feeling so lonely...

Seriously, I need to stop. Okay, I must say that all of you have been very, very heplful, but I feel maddeningly unhelpful to myself. I've looked at the sticker price on our vacation and thought oh my goodness...what have I done...but you've all brought me back to earth, and reminded me why I chose the WL in the first place.

And that's because I love it. Much like Anton Ego and Ratatouille.

Much like Jack Sparrow and rum.

Yes, I love the Wilderness Lodge.

I love the sound of my feet on the wooden bridge to the boat to the Magic Kingdom. I love that I'm staying at a place that's completely enclosed. I love that they have renovated rooms with queen size beds and flat screen tvs. And I love what I know DS will love. The huge fireplace, the brook inside that flows outside to the pool, the geyser, the wildlife. I love it, I love it, I love it.

And if I really think about it, I will pay whatever the airfare is to get to my 7 night, 8 day Wilderness Lodge free dining vacation splendor.

Because DH, DS, and I deserve it. And I cannot keep trying to make up for the future, if that makes any sense. I am always, always living for the future. I need to live right now.

Speaking of right now, it's been a banner day at ye old TK homestead. DS and I went for a little drive this morning, bought gas, got some muffins at our local warehouse type place and then ate muffins for lunch. Yes, I'm still spoiling him from yesterday. He started this morning with all sorts of three year old attitude, but by the time we were eating lunch he was back to his normal sweetie pie self. Now that's what my days are normally like...ahhh...:::sigh:::.

But although I've decided it would be foolhardy to resort jump just because of airfare because dagnabit I'm gonna stay at that thar Wilderness Lodge, I was still itchin' for some changes people.

And you know what that means.

1-407-WDW-DINE

Oh yeah.

Ole Jack and I were havin' a discussion see...and amongst talk of kidnapping his namesake, we were talking about food. We love to eat. It makes us happy...preferrably if there's rum involved. Well, that's more Jack, but anyway, he was more than happy to commiserate on the ADR front.

See?

See that beautiful cell phone just beckoning to me? Call me...call me and change your reservations...for the last time...it's okay. No one needs to know...except the DIS boards.

I couldn't help it. Before I knew it, that rascal Jack had my fingers on speed dial...yes I have Walt Disney Dining in my contact list, and?

So, I've changed the non itinerary itinerary as follows.

Sunday, Sept 14 - Arrival Day

Tentative Flight Time 700-950am
Arrive at Wilderness Lodge and get our vacation groove on
Perhaps head to MK, perhaps make it a Lodge Day...remember, we're pirates who will go where the wind takes us....except at 610pm because I am now the proud owner of a new ADR folks!

610pm - Artist Point - OOP Apps/Desserts

Really is there any better way to start your vacation than with appetizers and desserts? I mean unless we were dining with the captain ourselves.

Monday, Sept 15 - Coral Reef 530pm

Tuesday, Sept 16 - Chef Mickey's 1120am
MNSSHP 400/700pm

Wednesday, Sept 17 - Brown Derby 1230pm

(Okay, what's really scary is I didn't have to look at my spreadsheet to type those, I have them memorized. )

Thursday, Sept 18 - Boma 1020am

What's that? Dost thine eyes deceive you? It looks like Boma dinner turned into Boma breakfast! That's right...through the power of Disney magic...ahem...we are now having breakfast at Boma. I am actually really, really excited. I can't tell you how I was drooling over the breakfast pictures. I mean, I love a good buffet dinner, but I LOVE a good buffet breakfast. And this one looks different.

And you know what turned the tide? Besides our rascally trip mascot?

Tea.

Yup. You heard me right.

Tea.

Guess I'm more of a Bostonian than I thought. Must be some weird genetic link.

Boma has pressed teas by the pot, and they have my favorite kind, organic rooibos. Makes sense, it's from Africa. I drink tea every day, and this is pretty much my staple tea. It's naturally sweet, has a wonderful flavor and is completely caffeine free.

Yup. One thing can tip the scales that much.

Sept 19 - Kona Cafe 1030am - Still holding strong to this one, we'll see if that changes.

Sept 20 - The Crystal Palace 1145 am, Lapu Lapu Fest - HIDE THE RUM!

Sept 21 - Departure Day

Tenative Flight - 310-545pm You all know what this means, right?
There's time to squeeze in another park on this day. Pack up our stuff, check it with the bell services, and head on over to the Magic Kingdom.
Wanna know why, huh, huh, huh? It's because back in the day, the Casey's hot dog was always the end to my trip. We would head over to the Magic Kingdom and I would eat my happy little hot dog with cheese sauce on my fries and get that last feeling of Main Street and that last look at the castle before I had to head back to reality. Then when I got home that night, I could say, I had a hot dog at the Magic Kingdom today. It just feels good, don't knock it till you try it. Now, I can go back to tradition, and get my hot dog on the last day. Not that I won't have one before then...I mean...I make no promises... But I'm kind of excited by this prospect.

And that my friends is how you turn a massive freak out into something positive.

With a little help from Ole Jack.

 

[Charleston Princess]

True.

I think you're right. I don't know what it is with me this week...ohhhhhh....never mind....I know exactly what it is...oy, I should have seen it coming.

God bless you. Is there a cure?

I don't think there is a cure, sadly. I was going to say that making small changes sometimes helps (which I see you did ), or going and doing something completely unrelated to Disney sometimes helps.

Whatever you do, don't change WL -- you are right -- you and your family deserve it. Also, you need to remind yourself that it probably won't be an option next year since you will probably have extended family along. Do WL this year!

 

[Lady Lallie]

That was beautiful and poetic. I think you have made the right decisons! Not that you need my approval or anything.

Have you had the hotly debated wheat hot dog roll at Casey's?

 

[TarzansKat]

I don't think there is a cure, sadly. I was going to say that making small changes sometimes helps (which I see you did ), or going and doing something completely unrelated to Disney sometimes helps.

Actually...my DSIL is coming over with new baby girl, so that should help! I'm excited, I haven't seen her since she was born.

Whatever you do, don't change WL -- you are right -- you and your family deserve it. Also, you need to remind yourself that it probably won't be an option next year since you will probably have extended family along. Do WL this year!

Good point! Next year, I'm totally jonesing for POFQ. Shhh...don't tell DH. That poor man has been divided from his slushy coke food court yet again!

 

[TarzansKat]

That was beautiful and poetic. I think you have made the right decisons! Not that you need my approval or anything.

Thanks, I'm feeling pretty good about them. Now to tell DH. And, see, we still have two dinners. I'm quite proud actually. We've left a lot of evenings free so we can see where the wind takes us, but I still have some nice sit-downs going on.

Have you had the hotly debated wheat hot dog roll at Casey's?

I don't even know, truthfully. When did they switch it?

And quite frankly, I am unconcerned by the whole roll issue. It's the hot dog that matters to me. Okay, you know what, that just doesn't look right. Now, I've made myself DED!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Actually...my DSIL is coming over with new baby girl, so that should help! I'm excited, I haven't seen her since she was born.

That will be fun to see her!

Good point! Next year, I'm totally jonesing for POFQ. Shhh...don't tell DH. That poor man has been divided from his slushy coke food court yet again!

I POFQ. This is why we are staying there again this year -- last June was just wonderful there.

Next year I think I want Caribbean Beach with the new pirate ship themed pool.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I don't even know, truthfully. When did they switch it?

And quite frankly, I am unconcerned by the whole roll issue. It's the hot dog that matters to me. Okay, you know what, that just doesn't look right. Now, I've made myself DED!

See I love wheat bread BUT I am not a huge fan of wheat hot dog rolls, only because I like the squishy white hot dog roll to go with the yumminess of a hot dog. I am not sure when they switched, but I will try to find out. I wish they gave you a choice...